LA County Faces Population Decline While California’s Growth Slows Down
Los Angeles County Sees Record Population Decline
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County led the nation in population loss last year, highlighting a broader trend of stagnation across California. According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s population has decreased to approximately 9.69 million, down from a peak of 10 million residents recorded in the 2020 Census.
This decline, which amounts to a loss of around 60,000 to 70,000 residents between 2024 and 2025, is attributed to several factors, including a slowdown in international migration and high housing costs pushing residents toward more affordable areas. The relocation trend has seen many individuals leave major urban centers for what are referred to as "outer edge" metro areas.
The report titled "Slow Growth Impacts Nation’s Largest Counties Hardest" illustrates the challenges facing Los Angeles. As the largest numeric loss in the country, LA County’s struggle reflects similar issues affecting other Californian counties, such as Orange and San Diego, which also experienced declines. Notably, Riverside County has bucked this trend, ranking among the state leaders for population growth as residents seek less expensive housing inland.
The Census Bureau highlights that America’s largest urban areas are encountering a "perfect storm" of demographic stagnation, with a dwindling number of new international arrivals compounding the issue. Historically, these major cities have relied on international migration to counterbalance residents leaving for other states. However, a shift in migration patterns—combined with soaring housing costs and the rise of remote work—has transformed many formerly growing cities into areas experiencing population decline.
